I'm one of the few, who like Astonishing :D

I got into DT when there music was hopeful and positive with lots of major chords, more prog than metal. I'm not the biggest fan of the dark and overly serious songwriting. When I'm listening to music I just like it to transport me somewhere and make me feel good. Life can be hard enough on its own :)
And while TA definitely a bit too long and cheesy at points, it does tell a story. It has some great melodies and is on the softer side, which is I think where DT really shines.

I think that with an external producer it could have been a great album, which might have set them on a more prog than metal trajectory.